Today Zoetis announced the launch of CircoMax^® in Europe. It is the new Porcine Circovirus type 2 (PCV2) vaccine that includes two genotypes (a & b), providing broader coverage and protection against PCV2 threat. CircoMax has demonstrated protection against PCV2a, PCV2b and PCV2d.

PCV2 continues to evolve in pig populations. Initially PCV2a genotype was the most prevalent, hence why it was the antigen included in commercial vaccines. The virus then shifted to PCV2b, and nowadays PCV2d is the dominant genotype and most frequently found.¹ “PCV2 has one of the highest mutation rates among DNA viruses. The genotypes are divided into so-called ‘clusters’. The PCV2b and PCV2d genotypes belong to the same cluster and are phylogenetically closely related,” explained Prof. Heiko Nathues, at the University of Bern.

The vaccine, with its dual genotype, has proven to provide biologically superior protection than a single genotype vaccine.^2,3 That may give veterinarians and producers additional assurance that their pigs are well protected against this ever-changing virus. The new product has been developed for veterinarians and producers in situations where the focus is on PCV2 control. CircoMax is designed to stimulate both cell-mediated and antibody-based immunity, with the goal to provide an immune response like that induced by a natural infection. CircoMax^® comes in an easy to administer, ready to use single-dose with a duration of immunity (DOI) of 23 weeks. It is formulated with the MetaStim^® adjuvant and has a demonstrated safety profile as described in the summary of product’s characteristics (SPC).

Zoetis now offers both, new CircoMax, along with CircoMax Myco, for simultaneous effective vaccination against PCV2 and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, also in a ready to use single-dose formulation. “The swine industry faces continuous disease challenges; our research has consistently demonstrated that, with the dual PCV2 genotype technology in CircoMax and CircoMax Myco, we achieve a broader protection against PCV2, and therefore increases the chances of protection against continuously evolving PCV2 genotypes – providing a broader umbrella for pig health,” said Alvaro Aldaz, Director, Global Commercial Development, Swine, Zoetis. 

“Analysis of contemporary PCV2 strains including multiple isolates from European countries confirm that CircoMax vaccines offer broader coverage than competitor vaccines that are based on PCV2a only”¹, said Jose Angulo, Director, Global Technical Lead Swine, Zoetis. “We need to be able to adapt to - and stay one step ahead of - evolving PCV2 genotypes. Our vaccines offer high levels of efficacy, convenience, and proven safety per SPC descriptions. These pig vaccines, offer a robust long-lasting protection for healthy piglets against advancing threats.”

About CircoMax^®

CircoMax^® is a veterinary vaccine that contains inactivated recombinant chimeric porcine circovirus type 1 containing the porcine circovirus type 2a open reading frame 2 (ORF2) protein, inactivated recombinant chimeric porcine circovirus type 1 containing the porcine circovirus type 2b ORF2 protein.

About CircoMax^® Myco

CircoMax^® Myco is a veterinary vaccine that contains inactivated recombinant chimeric porcine circovirus type 1 containing the porcine circovirus type 2a open reading frame 2 (ORF2) protein, inactivated recombinant chimeric porcine circovirus type 1 containing the porcine circovirus type 2b ORF2 protein and inactivated Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, strain P-5722-3.

The efficacy and safety of CircoMax^® and CircoMax^® Myco are supported by a comprehensive programme of clinical studies reviewed by the European Medicines Agency and included in the regulatory procedure approved by the European Commission.